Today is day 31 of the Slice of Life writing challenge. Today is the last day those of us in the challenge are asked to post. I took on this challenge with lots of trepidation, I'm not a writer. I've never written for 31 days straight in my life. I have boxes of journals that were begun with good intentions but never got past a few days. Taking on this challenge has taught be a lot about myself as a writer.
*Ive learned that my best writing comes from ideas that I let simmer in my mind for a while.
*I've learned that writing about something every day is really hard.
*I've learned that I need to hear feedback on my writing...the sooner the better.
*Some topics are better left unpublished.
*Finding my voice in words is harder than I thought it would be.
*Reading other Slices taught be more about writing and hopefully made me a better writer.
*I don't foresee myself being a fiction writer at all. I'm at my best when I write about what I know and am passionate about.
*Most of my writing was mediocre at best but every once in a while I let the idea simmer just long enough I had something I was proud of.
*Asking my students to write everyday is a bigger expectation than I thought. I'm asking a lot of them, yet everyday they are so excited to write. I was not excited to write everyday.
*Writing was a big risk. Putting my words out there for others to read, I felt exposed.
This writing challenge has brought lots of time to reflect and review my thoughts, feelings and words. I'm thankful for the time I've gotten to do this and hope that I can keep up a pattern of writing. Thank you Ruth and Stacy for creating this amazing challenge, I've learned so much about myself and so many other people.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Untold Stories
During this Slice of Life challenge I've started several different stories that have never been published. I started one about a student and her incredible growth this year but I was nervous about posting even with names changed. I started another post about my dad. I just can't get it right. I firmly believe my dad is the greatest man on earth and I can't quite capture him in words. I started a post about yards in my neighborhood and the almost unspoken competition between them. We are in last place in the competition and had to call in professionals. I also started a post about traveling I love traveling but hate packing.
These are my untold stories from the slice challenge. Do you have any stories that didn't make it in?
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Possibilities and Realities
I love first thing in the morning when the classroom is quiet and the possibilities are awaiting. Who will be here today? What questions will they have? What stories will they tell? Every day is different and the possibilities are endless. The only thing I can hope is that they learn something new and are happy to be here. Today will be better than yesterday.
THe previous paragraph was written about ten minutes before the bell rang. I had just checked my email and I was thinking about our day.
Today brought many adventures. After a student shared a book with Blue Whales we went outside to see exactly how long a blue whale was. The chalk went all of the way across the black top and halfway down the sidewalk...80 ft. You can't explain that without looking at it.
Today was the last day of our study of non fiction writing. We shared our expertise with the second graders. My students were amazed they knew things that the "big kids" didn't. They've worked so hard becoming experts at many things like penguins, Legos, hair salons, puppies, sharks, and different kinds of friends.
A baby book was brought in and we learned that a student looks just like her mother as a baby.
We mapped the trip from our town to Hilton Head Island. A student is going there for spring break and wanted everyone to see. This also lead to a discussion about ferry boats. They were amazed that you could put a car on a boat.
PTO dropped off hula hoops and skip-its for recess. The kids got a good laugh as I attempted to show them how these things work. Lesson: leave it to the kids. :-)
Today was also the official announcement that our principal has accepted a position in the admin office. We've known for a week or so (actually that was one of the parts of Snake Day). I'm unsure how I feel about this change. He's had my back but I know this is what he wanted and will be great for his family. I'm nervous about the new principal he/she has not been hired yet so I guess I fear the unknown.
I'm now on Spring Break. It's a welcome time to rejuvenate and restart.
THe previous paragraph was written about ten minutes before the bell rang. I had just checked my email and I was thinking about our day.
Today brought many adventures. After a student shared a book with Blue Whales we went outside to see exactly how long a blue whale was. The chalk went all of the way across the black top and halfway down the sidewalk...80 ft. You can't explain that without looking at it.
Today was the last day of our study of non fiction writing. We shared our expertise with the second graders. My students were amazed they knew things that the "big kids" didn't. They've worked so hard becoming experts at many things like penguins, Legos, hair salons, puppies, sharks, and different kinds of friends.
A baby book was brought in and we learned that a student looks just like her mother as a baby.
We mapped the trip from our town to Hilton Head Island. A student is going there for spring break and wanted everyone to see. This also lead to a discussion about ferry boats. They were amazed that you could put a car on a boat.
PTO dropped off hula hoops and skip-its for recess. The kids got a good laugh as I attempted to show them how these things work. Lesson: leave it to the kids. :-)
Today was also the official announcement that our principal has accepted a position in the admin office. We've known for a week or so (actually that was one of the parts of Snake Day). I'm unsure how I feel about this change. He's had my back but I know this is what he wanted and will be great for his family. I'm nervous about the new principal he/she has not been hired yet so I guess I fear the unknown.
I'm now on Spring Break. It's a welcome time to rejuvenate and restart.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Almost Wordless Wednesday
I will be here in 2 1/2 weeks. Cell phones will not work. Life will be amazing!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
What is in the box?
A teacher friend emailed me a couple of weeks ago asking for my address. She said she was cleaning out her bookshelves and thought some books would work well in my classroom. I was floored! Of course I'll jump at any chance to get new books. Friday, I came home to a GIANT box of books on my porch...I had trouble lifting it. I couldn't wait to get it inside so I perched myself on the concrete and dove in. I Pulled book after book out of the box. It was A-MA-ZING.
I couldn't wait to get the books to school yesterday for the kids to see. Kindergartners notice everything, I mean everything, so when they walked in and their was a big box on the reading table they freaked out.
-What's in the box?
-I see books everybody!
-Whats under the books? Me-more books (sly smile)
-You mean there are books all the way to the bottom?!
-Do you think there is a Dinosaur book in there? (from my dinosaur expert, there was one)
-I bet there is a book about animals.
I left that box there for a while ( for a kindergartner...eternity) I waiting until almost 2:00 to mention the box again. They kids were putting away their writing and I casually ( but not so gracefully) picked up the box and took it to the center of the carpet. I sat there and waiting for them to notice. Then it started...
-Guys, it's book time!
-The books are out!!
-Yay! We get to look at the new books!
They were sitting so close to me I couldn't get the flaps of the box open. I slowly opened the box building their excitement. One at a time, I took the books out, read the title and handed it to a student. We had to close the door they were squealing so loud with excitement. After everyone had a book, I put the rest on the floor in between students. The squeals stopped and there was a buzz of kindergartners looking at pictures, reading a few words, sharing things they found and generally enjoying themselves. You know your in my class when 5 and 6 year olds are saying things like "I love the way new books smell.", "this is the best day ever!", and "can we take these home tonight?"
Before they left, several books were already in mailboxes ready to go home to share with families. The teacher who sent these books knows better than any of us the power of reading and I'm sure my kids would have made her smile. I just hope she knows the impact she had and will continue to have on these kids who have few books at home. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
*I have pictures of the kids and their books but I do not have permission to post them.
I couldn't wait to get the books to school yesterday for the kids to see. Kindergartners notice everything, I mean everything, so when they walked in and their was a big box on the reading table they freaked out.
-What's in the box?
-I see books everybody!
-Whats under the books? Me-more books (sly smile)
-You mean there are books all the way to the bottom?!
-Do you think there is a Dinosaur book in there? (from my dinosaur expert, there was one)
-I bet there is a book about animals.
I left that box there for a while ( for a kindergartner...eternity) I waiting until almost 2:00 to mention the box again. They kids were putting away their writing and I casually ( but not so gracefully) picked up the box and took it to the center of the carpet. I sat there and waiting for them to notice. Then it started...
-Guys, it's book time!
-The books are out!!
-Yay! We get to look at the new books!
They were sitting so close to me I couldn't get the flaps of the box open. I slowly opened the box building their excitement. One at a time, I took the books out, read the title and handed it to a student. We had to close the door they were squealing so loud with excitement. After everyone had a book, I put the rest on the floor in between students. The squeals stopped and there was a buzz of kindergartners looking at pictures, reading a few words, sharing things they found and generally enjoying themselves. You know your in my class when 5 and 6 year olds are saying things like "I love the way new books smell.", "this is the best day ever!", and "can we take these home tonight?"
Before they left, several books were already in mailboxes ready to go home to share with families. The teacher who sent these books knows better than any of us the power of reading and I'm sure my kids would have made her smile. I just hope she knows the impact she had and will continue to have on these kids who have few books at home. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
*I have pictures of the kids and their books but I do not have permission to post them.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Today
Today was just a good day. My sister did my hair, mom and I went shopping and had dinner with the whole family this evening. My dad and I also made a plan for doing some work on our yard (Sidenote- I've tried for 2.5 weeks to write a post about how awesome my dad is and haven't been able to capture him properly. I'll keep trying).
Today ends with peace and smiles. Can't ask for more than that.
Today ends with peace and smiles. Can't ask for more than that.
Is it home?
Tonight I'm in Kentucky at my parents house. It the house I lived in from the time I was 10 to 18. It's the house my friends came to and prom pictures were taken. It's where I got ready for countless band practices, had family dinner every night and played many games on Family Game Night. Is this home? This is the place where the cupboards are stocked with all the delicious food I refuse to buy and we talk for hours about everything. I come here several times a year to open arms but is it home?
I have a home of my own now, it's a work in progress but it's nice. We've lived there for two years and love being there is that my home?
I thought about this a lot on my drive this evening (I think a lot on drives). Then I walked in the door here and realized this is home. This place has the memories and the love built it. Years of it are seeped into the walls.
My new home is a blank slate waiting for the years of memories and love to overtake it. Both of these places are equally important but one will always have part of my heart.
It's good to be home.
I have a home of my own now, it's a work in progress but it's nice. We've lived there for two years and love being there is that my home?
I thought about this a lot on my drive this evening (I think a lot on drives). Then I walked in the door here and realized this is home. This place has the memories and the love built it. Years of it are seeped into the walls.
My new home is a blank slate waiting for the years of memories and love to overtake it. Both of these places are equally important but one will always have part of my heart.
It's good to be home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)